"The Lord Honors Spiritual Preparation" - Neal A. Maxwell

Dearest Family-

This week was awesome. First off- we have been doing this thing during weekly planning where we write out EVERYTHING we want to do that week, and EVERYONE we want to see. We even map them and group names together by location after we plot them out on the map- it's a lot of work and i kond of want to die in the midle of it haha but it is SO WORTH IT! It helps the rest of the week go so much better and then we have a plan for every hour of every day- we know exactly who we need to see and when were going to see them. 

  I've realized my mission and making me grow and teaching me a milion skills that will really come in handy the rest of my life, I now know how to: 1 teach. 2 plan and prepare lessons. 3 give talks, speeches, and lessons. 4 read maps. 5 drive on HUGE highways. 6 organize and schedule. 7 make appointments with people over the phone. 8 get along with others and compromise all the time. 9 find things in the scriptures and know where things are. 10 rely on the Spirit and counsel with the Lord in all things. Its amazing! The blessings of a mission are innumerable. 

   We have started doing scripture study with an elderly sister in our ward- we literally go to her home twice a week and read her personal scriptures with her out loud and break things down and talk about each verse- it's so cool i'm learning a lot while doing it and mom it makes me think of you and how you used to do that with me! and she loves it and is really learning a lot from it. 

  We also were led to tracting again one day when we had another appointment fall through- I was saying a prayer asking God what he wanted us to do with our 90 minutes before our next appointment and felt strongly- knock doors. Well it was a reallyyyyy hot day and we usually have 0 success doing that so i really didnt want to, but then i remembered a scripture sis chandler read this morning talking about how we cant just sit around and expect things to happen- we have to go out an work to make things happen! so we parked the car grabbed some pass along cards and Books of mormon and started walking. First door we knock- an elderly woman opens the door- i do our little door apporach, "Hi we're the sister missionary's for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints, and we have a message of Christ to share that will bless you and your family.." well turns out she was adopted by a mormon family!! Her name is Andrea- we talked with her outside for 20 minutes before she let us in, where we proceeded to talk for an hour and boom! She invited us back over for dinner and wants to learn more- we just found a new investigator first door we knocked!! Her name is Andrea and she is a sorority mom for college girls so she kinda loved us :) anyways that was a miracle I just wanted to share with y'all- pretty stoked about it!! 

   Also there is a family in the ward that is housing a girl named Savon while her parents are deployed shes 15 and she went to girls camp and came back wanting to learn more about the church!! Apparently she bore her testimony and everything :) so we have an appointment to start teaching her this Saturday :) what a blessing and a joy. We are continuing to teach Maya (16 years old) and she loved the Plan of Salvation, and we havwe discussed baptism with her, but she isnt ready to commit yet. She has been praying but she hasn't been reading the Book of mormon, and no one can come to know of the truthfulness of this gospel without first reading and then praying about the book of mormon with "real intent" like Moroni 10:3-5 states. She loves it though and wants to keep learning more. We also continue to teach Autumn and hope to begin teaching her family soon. Pray for that! if we can talk and meet with her family- baptism is just around the corner for this little girl. shes such a bright light. 

  Our elders gave some people we are working with a blessing of healing, so that was really cool to witness- I love seeing the priesthood power in action and seeing it bless others- we have such great elders I really love serving with them. We also got one new referral!! hopefully that will turn into something :) referrals are like gold haha again- i was stoked about it. And a funny! I totally got asked out last week haha so awkward getting asked on a date as a missionary- this guy just didnt get it!! I explained to him what I was doing right now and how dating isnt allowed right now, but he still gave me his number and proceeded to tell me a ton of hilarious things- poor sister chandler was dying laughing haha it was great. I just gave him a pass along card. 

Anyways this week was great just really busy- and this coming week should hopefully be just as busy if not more!! I love you all so much- I love your letters and emails keep them coming because they mean the world to me <3 take care

Much love 

sister B

When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren

Family Dearest!

Well as you know I had a trying week last week- however I am happy to say that after a series of tender mercies from the Lord and people in my life my faith and strength and joy has been restored renewed and strengthened! The work is moving forward! 

  Our ward had 3 baptisms this saturday- a mother and daughter, myrt and emma, who is 11 and what a beautiful thing it was! also a brother Lot who our elders were teaching- he has now joined his wife and family in the gospel!! As for me and sister Chandler- well we had a record of 22 lessons taught this week! Nothing improves perspective and mood better than hard work and earnest prayer.                    Every sunday we teach the Henderson family- 3 little girls in 11-3 range- i love them all DEARLY!! the 11 yr old always has her friend Autumn there who isn't a member but soaks it all up like a sponge!! We hope to start teaching her whole family so Autumn can be baptized! Sis Henderson is a member (a sweetheart and very strong woman) but the father is not. In the past he has always avoided the missionaries- but this last week he came out to get something and we snatched the opportunity! He had made us a dessert so i asked him how he made it and that led to a good convo and next thing you know we are talking and laughing up a storm!! He's a great guy. He even walked us out to our car! 

   This last sunday at our lesson with them the older girls (Autumn and the little Henderson girl, they are best friends) made us a big surprise. We got to their house and it was empty in their living room- we asked sis henderson- "Where are the girls?" she just smiled- then they came running out and had a big speech all written out. They thanked us for "teaching them all about the gospel and Jesus and the Articles of faith" they said how much they loved us and how excited they get every time we come- autumn then came out saying how her testimony has grown- then they left and came back out with a platter they decorated and cupcakes for each of us!! It was so cute and so touching- I cried. I have pictures of it I will send home. The dad came out to talk to us again! The spirit is really softening his heart- our prayers ascend to the heavens continually that we will able to start teaching him soon, Sis Henderson has long been praying for that day as well. 

      Then at church a little girl she's 4 years old, and ironically also named Brooke came running up to me and hugged me and whispered in my ear, "When I grow up I want to be a girl missionary like you." then she put her hands on my face and ran away- ah! I cried again. It is moments like these that I feel my Heavenly Father's love and gratitude washes over me. These tender mercies and sweet spirits sustain me and keep me going!! 

   Also- we had a lesson with Anya, she is Russian and not a member but her husband is and they have 3 kids. She has had the lessons in the past but to no avail. Well we went to see her last Wednesday not knowing what to expect but WOW did the spirit take over- it was powerful! WE started by sharing a general conference talk on trusting in the Lord- and then she asked this question, “How did you come to know Christ?” I was floored- what a question!! I didn’t expect that but the second she said that I felt the Spirit flood the room- so I told her- I testified- I told her when I first asked God- are you there? Do you know me? Am I really your daughter? I told her how I came to know Christ more fully as I got older and how I relied on Him and His atonement and as I testified she started crying…her husband just kept his head down. Then I was silent. Sister chandler bore her powerful testimony, then was silent. Then Anya said- “I want you to teach my son, Aerie, he’s 10. I want him to know Christ like you girls do.” So we now are teaching her son every week!! As we teach him we will also be teaching her- what a beautiful thing!! I cherish these opportunities to teach so many people’s children- what a joy! What a blessing!! I think of my own future children as I teach them. 

   Our dear sister Carla who has not been to church in over 12 years also came to Church this week simply because the Spirit allowed us to perceive the troubles in her heart so we could help her resolve them with the Lord and she has!! She came to church. 

     Many other things happened but I don’t have room to write- just know that this week was powerful. I have learned that progression in the gospel is measured and quantified in different ways- really it can’t be quantified- spiritual progression is just that- it’s spiritual. Its internal, its intangible. I will never allow the adversary to discourage me based on believing that people aren’t “progressing”. Our job is to love! We give our heart and soul to these people and sometimes they may fall short or fail to keep commitments- but isn’t that like Christ? Did not Christ give us HIS ALL HIS VERY LIFE and yet how often have we, have fallen short in keeping my promises to Him? I learned this pain I experience on the mission is yet another way I am being bound to Christ, drawing nearer to Him, coming to understand who He is, and learning to be more like Him even if that means “bearing His cross with Him.” I love these people and we will continue to give them our heart and soul even when they fall short because that’s what christlike love is- unconditional. 

     I love my mission and the lessons I’m learning. I also came across this scripture in Luke 22:31-32- “when thou art converted- strengthen thy Brethren.” I have been converted!! I will do my best to strengthen my brethren so they may know the joys of this gospel as well. 

      Family I love you- mom thank you for your powerful, counseling, simple and to the point letter- I needed that!! I love you. And thank you for the package of essentials! I needed that too haha and dad- thank you for your letter I love you you made me smile haha how was the backpacking trip? Tell Michael and Jared I love them. And mom tell all my little sisters that are growing into amazing young women that I love them! I think of you all often and always with smile on my face. 

     I want to tell you one other thing- last Monday when I was feeling a bit discouraged- elder sanders (our DL) randomly called. He said he felt inspired to call- he said simply this: Sister Bertoldo- I want you to know your Heavenly Father loves you. You are a successful missionary- you are a successful missionary because you are obedient and hard working and have sincere desires to share the gospel. You’ve touched more people than you can see. You’ve made all the difference here. You are going to be an amazing wife and mother.” Then He said that’s all he needed to say- and he was right- I had just prayed before he called and asked God, am I needed here? Am I a successful missionary in your eyes?” I guess I got my answer! 

     I testify to you that God does here and answer our prayers- but sometimes he wants us to act and live in faith without confirmation first- sou we can demonstrate our faith. I love this gospel!! DC 123:17 “Our trust in the Lord must be more powerful and enduring than our confidence in our own feelings and experiences.” I love you guys!! Cant wait to hug you all again.

Love sister B

4th of July Week

Dear family-

 

This week was rough!! But it ended really well. It's hurricane season in FL right now so all weekend it DUMPED rain!! The work was slow because of that and also because it was 4th of July week which is big out here with so many military families- I kind of felt like a wet puppy nobody wanted to let in! haha sad i know. However- we did have some families in the ward who were having big parties and they all invited us over so we ended up doing that and had a blast! It's crazy how much I love the people here- I really did feel like I was with family. 

   Another family in our ward is moving today, so they had a 4th of July going away party on the beach (which the ocean was more stormy than I have ever seen it- it was GORGEOUS!) and it was a beautiful family experience I will be forever grateful to have been a part of. The family is moving to Utah so I will be sure to see them when I get back home and out to school! She told me some very kind words that I will never forget in parting! It really is all about love and developing human relationships...that is where my deepest joys stem from.   

   We had another experience though that was truly hurtful! we were trying to contact a long list of people out in the fancy proper area in the pouring rain- so there we were, me in my floor length raincoat and boots and my little companion with her polka dot umbrella, we get to the door and the lady (who is a less active member) won't let us in!! she wouldn't even open the door all the way while I was speaking to her- she just left us out there in the storm and said," I can't let you in right now" haha. I was just really nice of course and said the whole "oh of course we understand!" but we did get a phone number out of her. Then as we're leaving, her non member husband started yelling at us to get off his property! My companion wanted to die so I had to put on a brave face and just smile and say "of course, you have a great day sir!". We had 0 success the rest of the day and finally went home for a really late lunch. It was hard- not gonna lie I was a little down- its hard sometimes I don't understand how people can be so mean to us!! But then i read Alma ch 8 which talks about how Alma was rejected in the land of Ammonihah and he began to be "exceedingly sorrowful" for the hardness of their hearts. He prays and "wrestles with the lord in mighty prayer" just as I had done..but then an angel of the Lord comes down to him and tells him, "be of good cheer! Lift up thy head, for thou hast been faithful in keeping all the commandments from the first time thou did receive the message." He basically tells him to rejoice and keep going, which he does!  So I did the same. 

  We went on to have a powerful lesson with a new investigator we found at church last week. She is 16 years old and living with her aunt for the next year. WE taught her the first part of the Restoration, "Christ's earthly ministry and Atonement" and I cant even express the power and peace of the Spirit that filled that home as we testified of CHRIST. We brought Arianna with us, a laurel in the ward, and she also shared her testimony. It was truly a beautiful experience. 

  Then at church yesterday, I was asked to teach Relief society. I had been asked to speak 2 weeks ago and my topic was Elder Nelson's GC talk "Catch the Wave". As i was reading and preparing the lesson for church yesterday- I felt very strongly impressed that I needed to focus on the Restoration. So i got out Preach My gospel and in my own words wrote out the whole 1st lesson in 6 main points. Then in Relief society I had the woman read them aloud and feel the power that we experience as missionary's everyday, of true doctrine. Then at the end I recited the 1st vision and testified to them that as we deepen our own testimony of the Restoration- our desire and ability to share it with others will increase. Heres the cool part though- yesterday at church we had 4 investigators in Relief Society- 4!!!! They all hear the entire 1st lesson and message of the Restoration just by being at church and coming to relief society! No wonder the Lord wanted me to teach and share that!! He knew they would be there!! As I recited the 1st vision I looked into every one of their eyes and 3 of the 4 women investigating had tears in their eyes, The Spirit had pierced their soul, just as I prayed it would. How humbled and grateful I felt for being able to teach those women that day. How inspired it was! How amazing it is to feel and see the Lord work through me- we are nothing but a mouthpiece for Him and then the Spirit carries the recognition of truth to their heart. I believe- I know many baptisms will shortly be ensuing. 

     We have another new investigator, 2 actually Jem and jade ages 13 and 14. Also John, who is an older man battling cancer and searching for truth but battling science vs. religion. Dad- I would love some advice on this one!! I feel so overjoyed and touched that so many of the investigators we are working with are teenage girls and young adult women. what a crucial age that is!! What a time that can make or break a woman and generations after her! I pray everyday that I will be able to live up to and be worthy and led and guided to know how to strengthen and fulfill the needs of all these girls/women Heavenly Father has entrusted me with. I do so love them! 

side note- we had a caterpillar infestation- it was nasty!! me and sister chandler woke up to 20 or so caterpillars crawling on our couch!! we got rid of them haha anyways I love you, and always pray you all. Hope all is well. what did you do for the 4th?? Oh! and singing went well on the 4th! someone recorded me singing I guess so I will send you the vid :)

Much Love 

Sister B

"How Great Thou Art"

Dearest Family-

   I have never known who I really was and what I could be until this saturday, June 29. I have never been happier. First a beautiful baptism, where the Spirit was in abundance, because of how much love I have and and gratitude I felt for God leading me to such a family. The fact that we have the opportunities to be a part of peoples lives in an eternal nature- it is amazing. I am only just now starting to grasp what a blessing, privelage and honor this is. Then we went to a house (mansion really) and we have been trying to contact these people for WEEKS and I just had a feeling about that day- so we went and they were home. 

  We were greeted by her and her brother (I am going to stop giving names) in desperation they sat us down and said, "I can't believe youre here. We have a 15 minute window before we leave to make and sign the biggest medical business deal of our lives." He told us how they have been seeking out the will of the Lord and guidance on this matter for quite some time. He told us how he has reached the pinnacle of wealth and honor and all the world has to offer but feels bankrupt because he doesn't know his family. He said he feels a constant battle between the pull of the world and the will of God- but in the world he has found no true joy. He said that their companies logo in now the Liahona because he said, "it won't work unless it's guided by the Lord". So just as they are getting ready to leave to make the final signings for the business, he wanted to know if it  was God's will and they were just about to pray when we knocked on their door. 

  "so" he said, "sister will you pray for us? a kneeling prayer?" I said yes but inside i was nervous because he had sooooooo much riding on this prayer, what did he need to hear? what was I to say? I said a silent prayer before I said the outer prayer and as I did I felt a calm peace come over me and a voice that said, "Just as I led you hear in perfect itme- I will guide the words you speak to touch their hearts. Their needs are known by me" so fear left me and I prayed. I have no clue what I said but mid prayer, I heard sniffles...at the end of the prayer I looked up and he was turned away absolutely sobbing and trying to hide his face. Then he turned to me and hugged me and cried on me and shook my hand and Sister Chandlers and thanked us for coming, he knew God sent us to pray for him and answer his prayers. And then we left. 15 minutes. that was all. 

THAT is what it feels like to an instrument in the Lords hands. THAT is why 100% obnedience is IMPERATIVE so that we can be worthy to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost. So we can live up to the name we wear on our chest. That is when the Lord can use as and work through us to do HIS WORK WITH HIS CHILDREN. I looked at my greenie after we walked out and she had tears in her eyes and I said,"welcome to missionary work sister." then we hugged and cried together. I will never forget that.

Sister chandler is amazing. She has the most even steady temperment- we work beautifully together. I feel blessed by the Lord to have her. She also ran track in college!!! We run every morning :) its BOMB im on cloud nine.

Sunday Bishop asked me to sing "How Great thou art" a cappella. The spirit can truly work through music- I feel blessed and humbled to be able to invite the Spirit in any way I can. There wasnt a dry eye in the chapel because everyone felt the truth of the lyrics, "Then sings my soul, my saviour god to thee, how great thou art, how great thou art." I'm also singing the national anthem at our 4th of July celebration :) it brings me such joy to  have so many opportuniies to sing!!! 

  We also met a girl who is only 19 and has 2 year old baby. She fell away from the church, but we have been looking for her, and saturday- we found her. Yesterday- she invited us to dinner. We met her child- we helped her cook dinner- and I love that girl. She has been dealt hard cards. She feels alone. She's been harshly judged- but we just went in and loved her. We felt Christ's love for her. We reminded her that she is a daughter of God. we prayed with her.and guess what? that girl said she is coming to church this sunday! she said, "I feel like you're my friends."

    I have a testimony of missionary work. Of the Atonement, that Christ LIVES. Of the power of reading the Book of Mormon so that others can hear the testimonies of Nehpi and Moroni bear witness to them. I LOVE being a missionary and I love these people. I love you all too, know I pray for you xoxox

Sister Bertoldo